We give each other a brotherly hug. “It means a lot to me to hear you say that,” I murmur as we leave the room.
When we step out onto the veranda, I hear Dash say, “We’re having twins.”
I begin to chuckle. “Double the diapers.”
Dash rubs a hand over her pregnant belly. “I’ll have Miss Sebastian helping me, so I’m ready.”
Danny leans forward, glancing between Fallon and Dash. “Aren’t your due dates close?”
“Yeah, we’re a week apart,” Fallon answers. “December babies.”
Tristan goes to stand behind Hana, then he says, “Ours is due March.”
“What?” The word explodes from me.
“You’re having a baby?” Aunt Della suddenly says, popping into the conversation.
Tristan lets out a chuckle. “Yeah. Hana’s already four weeks pregnant.”
My eyes turn to Danny to see how she’s handling the news, but there’s a happy smile around her lips as she shares in her family’s joy.
As soon as she’s recovered from all the treatments, we need to start working on our family.
Chapter 28
RYKER
My fingers tighten around Danny’s as Dr. Friedman holds up the MRI scan.
She completed the chemo a month ago. Honestly, I don’t think there will ever come a time where my heart will not beat out of my chest while we wait for the results of an MRI.
Dr. Friedman smiles, then says, “Still clear. The progress you’ve made is promising, Danny. I’m happy.” He tilts his head as he looks at her. “How do you feel?”
“Relieved. Better. My hair’s starting to grow back.” She pulls a face. “It’s more fluff than hair, but still, it’s something.”
“Don’t worry about your hair. Eventually, it will grow back,” he tries to encourage her.
“How long do we have to wait before we can start planning for a baby?” I ask.
Danny’s head snaps to me, then back to Dr. Friedman, who answers, “I’d say a year. Just to be on the safe side.”
“That gives us time to get married,” I chuckle.
Again, Danny glances at me, her mouth curving up.
“I’m expecting an invite to the wedding,” Dr. Friedman jokes.
“Oh, definitely,” I assure him. He gets up from his chair, and it has us rising to our feet. “I’ll see you in three months.”
“Thank you for everything,” I murmur as I shake his hand.
Danny goes to give him a hug, and I hear her whisper. “Thank you for the time you’ve given me.”
“You’re welcome.”
When we leave Dr. Friedman’s office, I wrap my arm around Danny’s shoulders and pulling her tightly to my side, I press a kiss to her temple, murmuring, “Another win.”
She grins up at me. “Another win.”
As we walk to where the car is parked, I ask. “How do you feel about celebrating in Cape Town?”
I’ve been planning the trip so we can celebrate her being cancer-free. Christopher and her parents are in on it, seeing as they’ll have to fill in at Indie Ink for her.
Danny frowns as she climbs into the passenger side, but she waits until I slide in behind the steering wheel, then she asks, “When?”
“The flight is scheduled for Thursday night.”
Her mouth drops open. “Seriously? That’s two days from now! What about work?”
“I’ve spoken with your father and Christopher, and they have it all handled.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh my God, you’re serious. This isn’t a joke?”
I shake my head. “As serious as can be.”
Danny thinks for a moment, then she surprises me by nodding instead of arguing with me. “Okay, let’s do this.”
“Really? You’re okay with it?” I ask to make sure.
“Yes.” A wide smile spreads over her face. “Let’s go back to Cape Town.”
“Great. Your dad said he’ll come in tomorrow to take over whatever you’re busy with at work.”
“Get me back to the office. There’s a lot I need to take care of.”
Letting out a chuckle, I mutter, “I get a feeling we’re not going home tonight.”
“That’s for sure.”
The corner of my mouth lifts. “Still a slave driver.”
“Hey, I’m not that bad. I’ve been going home at six every night since I returned to work.”
“True.”
“And since Jade started working, it’s helped take the load off me,” she adds.
“Things are coming together nicely,” I murmur. Noah completed his Law degree, which is helping with my workload, as well.
Sitting on the plane, we’ve just flown over Niger when Danny snuggles against my shoulder.
I let out a soft chuckle as I maneuver my arms underneath her, and getting up, I lift her to my chest.
“This feels familiar,” she mumbles sleepily.
“Sleep, babe,” I whisper as I carry her to the bed. My grin widens as I put her down, and when I lie down facing her, my smile widens when she snuggles up against my chest.
To think, nine months ago, I thought that moment would be all I’d ever get. Now? Now she’s mine.
Wrapping my arm around her, I press my mouth to her hair that’s starting to grow into a buzz cut, and I take a deep breath of her.